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The crash of an Indian-made HAL Tejas fighter jet at the Dubai Airshow has cast a shadow over India’s export ambitions for the aircraft. Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), the manufacturer, described the incident as an “isolated event” resulting from “extraordinary circumstances” and provided no additional specifics.
During an aerial demonstration on Friday, the Tejas jet erupted in flames before stunned spectators, leading the Indian Air Force to initiate a court of inquiry to determine the cause. Both HAL and General Electric, which supplies the engines, have pledged their full support for the investigation.
The Tejas, whose name means “brilliance” in Sanskrit, is a vital component of India’s efforts to modernize its air force, which currently operates a fleet primarily composed of Russian and Soviet aircraft. The accident, which resulted in the pilot’s death, deals a significant blow to India’s plans to export the jet internationally. It also highlights the country’s dependence on domestic military contracts to keep the aircraft program afloat, after nearly four decades of development.
Industry experts caution that this high-profile setback could potentially hinder India’s efforts to promote the aircraft abroad, overshadowing years of meticulous development. Nevertheless, Hindustan Aeronautics assured that the incident would not impact its business operations, financial health, or future deliveries. Shares of the company, which had dipped about 3% since the start of the day, remained flat following the statement.
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